Three arrested in Santa Cruz undercover drug operation

Santa Cruz >> Three men were arrested by Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force officers Friday on suspicion of selling methamphetamine during a undercover drug operation.

The Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team Narcotics and Gang Task Force conducted the operation throughout the city in response to numerous complaints about drug dealings, said Santa Cruz County sheriff's Sgt. Stefan Fish, a supervisor for the task force.

During the operation, an undercover officer was sent to various areas to solicit people for controlled substances, Fish said. The substances could include cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin.

In one encounter, the undercover officer contacted a transient man at the Pacific Garden Mall who facilitated a methamphetamine purchase with a drug dealer, Fish said. The officer met with a man, identified as Terry Spann, 49, along with Thomas Kehler, 58, on the foot bridge near Felker Street.

Spann and Kehler, both of Watsonville, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale. Spann had 18 grams of suspected methamphetamine in his possession, Fish said.

Officers are seeking an arrest warrant for the man who is suspected of facilitating the alleged drug deal, Fish said.

A fourth man was also arrested separately on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale, Fish said. Eric Cash, 39, a transient, allegedly sold methamphetamine to the undercover officer in the parking lot of a Front Street store, Fish said.